Lots of Latkes!

On Sunday, December 14, members of the Beth Ahabah Brotherhood arrived bright and early to fry up crispy gluten-free latkes, which they then served to families after Religious School that morning. 

Donuts—freshly dipped in chocolate and vanilla glaze and crusted with sprinkles—were also on the menu, along with applesauce and sour cream for the latkes. Thank you so much to the Beth Ahabah Brotherhood for the delicious start to the holiday!

Chanukah Pajamukah
On the sixth night of Chanukah, December 19, congregants gathered for the annual Chanukah Pajamukah Shabbat service. Dressed in their Chanukah finery—pajamas, sweaters, hats, headbands, socks, slippers, Crocs, etc.—members and guests lit their chanukiyot and enjoyed songs by the congregation’s children’s and adult choir.

Menorah Madness
Young adults partied the night away at 2025’s Menorah Madness, hosted by Hardywood Richmond on December 20! 

The evening, which was sponsored by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Beth Ahabah, Beth-El, Chabad Young Professionals of Richmond, Keneseth Beth Israel, and the Weinstein JCC, included a live band, food, an open bar, a photo booth, and much more. 

How will we top it in 2026? Stay tuned to find out!

Religious School News
Beth Ahabah’s Religious School has stayed busy with programming! 

On January 11, the fourth-grade students and their parents learned about Jewish wedding traditions. Later in the morning, they gathered to celebrate the “wedding” of fourth-grade parents, Elena and Vladimir. 

MAZAL TOV to the happy couple! Later that day, the 2nd – 7th grade Beth Ahabah Teens and Temple Youth (BATTY) group learned about the upcoming holiday of Tu B’ishvat and decorated flower pots. They also planted bell pepper, tomato, and/or sunflower seeds to cultivate over the winter so they can enjoy the “fruits” of their labor this summer!

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all Religious School classes participated in a school-wide Day of Service on Sunday, January 18. 

Activities included making lasagna for City of Richmond police officers, packing lunches for people experiencing homelessness, packing bags for the Health Brigade, and making homeowner kits for Rebuilding Together. Fourth graders learned about Beth Ahabah’s recent history by interviewing three retired clergy with long histories at Beth Ahabah—Rabbi Beifield, Cantor Goldman, and Rabbi Beck-Berman. 

For more information about Religious School and youth education, contact Riley Miner at education@bethahabah.

Beth Ahabah Purim Shpiel
Sunday. March 1
Nosh at 6 p.m.

Show begins at 6:30 p.m.

Every year at Purim-time we re-tell the Esther story in the most ridiculous way possible, and this year is no exception! Our Purim Shpiel theme this year is Shushan State of Mind, a musical rendition of the story of Esther using Billy Joel songs. No registration is required, although the cast accepts tips in the form of hamantaschen and donations to Beth Ahabah!

Hamantaschen Baking
Young adults are invited to a hamantaschen baking workshop on Thursday, February 19 in Beth Ahabah’s kitchen. 

Programs Manager Sarah Roper will lead the class, which will feature several types of dough and an assortment of mouth-watering fillings. 

For more information about this event and young adult programming, please contact Sarah at programs@bethahabah.org.